Tornado Prepareness


Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms. Spawned from powerful thunderstorms, they strike quickly and can cause fatalities and devastate neighborhoods in seconds. Tornadoes are most frequent in the plains between the Rocky and Appalachian mountains. While April through June is considered tornado season, they can occur during any month. While Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma are the leading states for the number of tornadoes reported, Missouri is frequently visited by deadly and destructive tornadoes. One of the single deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history occurred in Joplin, Missouri on May 22, 2011. The EF-5 tornado—the most powerful category of tornado, with wind speeds in excess of 200 miles per hour— struck at 5:41 p.m. and destroyed or heavily damaged thousands of buildings in a six mile long and three quarters of a mile wide section of Joplin, killing more than 150 people.

The average tornado moves southwest to northeast—in Missouri frequently following the Interstate 44 corridor—but tornadoes can move in any direction.



Familiarize yourself with the terms used to identify tornado hazards


Preparedness tips before a tornado




What to do during a tornado

If you are under a tornado WARNING, seek shelter IMMEDIATELY.


If you are in: Then:
A vehicle, trailer, or mobile home Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection and it may be safer to lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your arms.
The outside with no shelter Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your arms. Be prepared to move quickly if the ditch fills with water.

  • Do not get under an overpass or bridge. Overpasses are not safe. An overpass can cause a dangerous wind tunnel effect. In some cases bridges have collapsed, killing and injuring those who are seeking shelter underneath them. You are safer in a low, flat location.


  • If you are driving in a rural area and spot a tornado, driving away from the tornado’s path may be the safest option if the tornado is far away. If the tornado is bearing down on you, stop your vehicle off the traveled section of the roadway and seek a sturdy shelter or lie flat in a ditch or other low spot. If you are outside, remember to cover your head with your arms, a coat or blanket to protect yourself from flying debris. Be prepared to move quickly in case the ditch fills with water. Also, remember that stopping near the roadway increases the chance of being struck by other motorists—so be alert and exercise caution.
